With the news that the San Francisco 49ers will start training camp on time, we can get some glimpses. There are still questions about the safety of the players, but we will continue as if the football is on its way until further notice. In August, we’ll be bringing back our off-season opponent preview series. Before that, let’s take a look at seven questions SB Nation asked us ahead of the season.
Notable free agency additions
Does Trent Williams Matter? He should. The Niners have added one of the best left tackles of the past decade to an already stacked roster. Instead of relying on a rookie tackle or an unproven player, San Francisco has a seven-time Pro Bowler who knows Kyle Shanahan’s system.
The 49ers kept Jimmie Ward, Arik Armstead, Ben Garland and Ronald Blair. Each of those players was all the key to the Niners’ success last season. San Francisco also added Joe Walker, Tom Compton, Kerry Hyder and Travis Benjamin for added depth.
More or less than 10 wins?
More than. After a Super Bowl appearance and the return of the majority of the roster, 2020 would be a major disappointment if the 49ers won less than 10 games. The squad had enough talent to defeat over 15 players in the injured reserve last year. The 49ers are grabbing all of that talent from the IR, and a few of those players should be making contributions immediately. San Francisco has had several young players who made an impact last year – from top draft picks like Deebo Samuel and Nick Bosa to lesser-publicized names like Kendrick Bourne and Emmanuel Moseley – and these players should be even better. this year. Even without an offseason, there are fewer question marks as the season approaches and Jimmy Garoppolo could focus on the pitch instead of rehab.
Rookie that excites me the most
Brandon Aiyuk. We don’t know Deebo Samuel’s status or how long he’s going to be missing, and the other receivers most people mention on the list have nowhere near Aiyuk’s cap / talent. He went to the first round for a reason. Aiyuk adapts to the 49ers’ attack like a glove, and that’s why we’re so excited to see what he can do. He feels like the type of player the 49ers lacked last year on many levels. There’s a lot of pressure on Aiyuk to perform early in his career, and I’m fascinated to see how he handles that pressure.
Battle for the best position before training camp
Who will have the most pictures, Kwon Alexander or Dre Greenlaw? Both players played at a high level in 2019, but one did so in the first half and the other in the second half. Because Greenlaw had more standout and memorable games, the common theme seems to be letting him play among the fans. Kwon has a bigger, more experienced contract and has played quietly better, in my opinion. Statistically, Alexander’s average tackle depth against the run was 3.5 yards, while Greenlaw’s was 5.5 yards. Kwon’s coverage success rate was also 10% higher than Greenlaw’s on two fewer targets. Alexander also allowed a full yard less than Greenlaw against the pass. Dre was a Day 3 rookie, however. These statistics are not an indictment against Greenlaw, but rather a compliment to Alexander. However, Greenlaw will take another step forward in his development and interest this battle.
The biggest scenario before training camp
It is still a wide receiver. Will Trent Taylor Stay Healthy? Is Jalen Hurd ready to contribute? Will Dante Pettis return to his rookie form? Can Jauan Jennings steal the show? Is Aiyuk as good as Shanahan thinks? There are questions for every broad range you can think of on the list. The talent is there, but the young players on the list need to strengthen themselves. There isn’t a position set in stone if Deebo runs out of time, which opens the door for everyone.
History under the radar before training camp
Will George Kittle play without a new deal? Nobody knows. A little bird told me that Kittle’s deal was done and his contract would look like absolute theft. This deal would likely be announced within the next week. If that happens, the focus may be on whether or not Raheem Mostert will be traded, which also seems unlikely.
Notable injuries before training camp
Jerick McKinnon’s status, Deebo Samuel’s foot, Richie James’ wrist, the health of Trent Williams, Jullian Taylor and Ronald Blair could start on the PUP roster, while Weston Richburg and DJ Jones return from late-season injuries. season. Taylor plans to be Garoppolo’s safety blanket, but he has to show he can stay healthy.
